Edward H. Freeman passed away at his home on July 25, 2015. He was born November 14, 1925, in Elizabeth, IL, to Duane Alice Burns and Herman "Ike" Freeman. He had one (1) brother, Donald Burns Freeman and one (1) sister, Debra Hanley.

Ed graduated from Galena High School in 1947 after serving in the United States Navy during World War II from June, 1943, to March, 1946. He served as Seaman 1st Class and Carpenter's Mate Striker on the USS Hermitage AP 54, in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. After Victory was declared his ship brought many servicemen back to New York City from the war areas.

Married in 1948 to June Anne Lapp, daughter of Annete Elizabeth Berger and Reginald Calvin Lapp on September 5th. They had two (2) children, son, Douglas Edward Freeman (Kate) and daughter, Sandra Jane Bloom (Tim); granddaughter, Jennifer Lee (Heins) Bahr (Torrey); and adopted grandchildren, Kayse, Ashia and Kyler. Tim and Torrey became like sons to him.

Edward joined the Illinois Department of Conservation on February 1, 1951, and worked in Bureau County for two (2) years and then in Jo Daviess County for 30 years, retiring June 6, 1983. He had the reputation of being a "by the book" warden and was highly respected by friends and foes alike, often having coffee with commercial fishermen he had arrested the week before. Ed spent several years as Sergeant of District 1, which consisted of Jo Daviess, Carroll, Winnebago, Stephenson and Ogle Counties, supervising nine (9) wardens in the district.

Sgt. Freeman was also instrumental in bringing the wild turkey back to Jo Daviess County. Every trip he made to the Springfield office was accompanied by a request to purchase turkeys and release them in Jo Daviess County. Springfield finally relented after he and Game Biologist, Forrest "Frosty" Loomis, joined together requesting many times over the years to bring the wild turkey back to its native enviroment. Twelve turkeys were released in the spring of 1979, and five years later, a turkey season was opened to hunters.

Also an avid fly fisherman, Ed spent many vacations fly fishing in Montana and continued fly fishing in Wisconsin in his retirement. He also had a wood working shop and built many pieces of furniture for family and friends. Reading of Civil War, Indian Wars, W.W.II, and U. S. History also filled many afternoons in retirement. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears on television but would also root for the Green Bay Packers if they made the playoffs, "as long as they are in the same division," he said.

"Eddie" as he was endeared, and his beloved granddaughter, Jenny, had lunch together for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Ike; a brother, Donald; sisters-in-law, Mary (Lapp) Zink and Harriet (Beastall) Freeman.

Edward is survived by his wife, June; son, Doug (Kate); daughter, Sandra (Tim); granddaughter, Jennifer (Torrey); nieces and nephews, Connie (Freeman) Groom, Greg Freeman, Don Zink, Mark Zink, and Amy (Zink) Siqueido; half-sister, Deborah; and step-mother, Rosetta Freeman.

Edward will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a loving and supportive father, grandfather and husband, and a loyal and reliable friend.

Visitation will be after 9:30 A/M, on Thursday, July 30, 2015, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Galena, where funeral services will be at 10:30 A/M, with Rev. Stacy Cavanaugh officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

The family would like to "thank" Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Greg Vandigo, Jo Daviess County Home Health, and all the staff at Midwest Medical Center and Mercy Hospital, and also all the friends who visited him in his last days.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a contribution to Hospice of Dubuque in Edward's name.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com